One of the most chronicled celebrity divorces over the last few months has been that of basketball star Kobe Bryant and his long-time wife, Vanessa. Even though media reports suggest the two are resolving their issues, court records indicate that their divorce is moving forward.

The Bryants did not sign a prenuptial agreement and have a significant amount of assets to divide. Minnesota couples going through complex asset division, like the NBA player and his spouse, might be able to learn a few things from this particular high asset divorce.

Estimates put Kobe Bryant's financial worth somewhere near $150 million, so his soon to be ex-wife could be entitled to half of that sum because it is community property. So far, records show that Vanessa Bryant has received nearly $20 million in property from Kobe, including three houses.

Recent tabloid photos of the couple kissing have fueled speculation that they may be trying to mend their relationship, but court proceedings seem to indicate that they are moving forward with their divorce. The couple issued individual statements indicating that their divorce, filed a few months ago by Vanessa Bryant, is proceeding privately. Settling this divorce quietly, outside of the public eye, may be the best thing for the couple and their children.

Ever-present media coverage of celebrity divorces can complicate matters that are already difficult. Celebrities, despite their fame and fortune, experience the same range of emotions associated with divorce. Additionally, the highly valued assets belonging to the couple are a potential source of dispute, especially considering alimony and child support payments might be included in their divorce settlement.

Despite all the potentially complicating factors in the case of Kobe Bryant's divorce, it appears to be proceeding without incident. A couple that has been married as long as the Bryants has a lot to deal with in the course of a legal split, but they are demonstrating that the future health of their kids is more important than launching a publicly vicious divorce battle.

Source: Los Angeles Times, "Kobe Bryant divorce: Couple divides assets despite kiss photo," Feb. 20, 2012